Postdoctoral Researcher at Computational Biochemistry, Klem Lab, LSU

Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University (LSU)

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Vacancy

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Description

The Klem Research Group at Louisiana State University (LSU) is actively recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in computational biochemistry. This newly established lab, under the leadership of Dr. Heidi Klem, is focused on the integrative modeling of enzymes through quantum mechanics (QM), molecular dynamics (MD), and machine learning (ML). The research aims to advance enzyme design and mechanistic understanding in biocatalysis, sustainable chemistry, and antibiotic resistance. This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact scientific discovery in a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment during the lab's launch phase. 

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply QM/MM simulations and electrostatic models for enzyme catalysis
• Extend the capabilities of QMzyme, an open-source Python toolkit for enzyme modeling
• Design and simulate multi-enzyme systems targeting plastic degradation and green catalysis
• Conduct molecular dynamics simulations, conformational sampling, and structure-based mutational analysis
• Collaborate with international experimental teams to validate computational predictions
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations, and grant proposal development 

Qualification

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Computational Biology, or a related field (completed by start date)
• Proficiency in molecular modeling techniques, particularly QM/MM and MD simulations
• Strong Python programming skills and familiarity with scientific software development
• Demonstrated productivity through publications or open-source tools
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively 

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in enzyme catalysis modeling or structure-based drug/enzyme design
2. Familiarity with tools such as Gaussian, ORCA, AMBER, GROMACS, PyMOL, or VMD
3. Interest in topics like biocatalysis, plastic degradation, or antibiotic resistance
4. Strong written and oral scientific communication skills 

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

1. A CV
2. A brief cover letter outlining research interests and fit with the Klem Lab
3. Contact details for 2–3 references

📧 Email to: heidiklem@lsu.edu
Submit formally here: LSU Application Portal. 

Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. 

The Klem Lab at LSU leverages an integrative modeling approach to understand and engineer enzyme behavior with real-world applications in health, sustainability, and synthetic biology. The lab emphasizes a collaborative, inclusive, and curiosity-driven culture. Diverse applicants and those committed to interdisciplinary innovation are strongly encouraged to apply.